Concept drawing of one of the ‘affordable house’ designs at Paerata Rise

Grand designs south of Auckland

The development of a new community on former Wesley College land near Pukekohe has moved a step closer with the announcement of 12 build partners.

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The developers, Grafton Downs, along with the Wesley College Trust Board have announced that the development will be named Paerata Rise. As well as acknowledging the existing Paerata community, the name is a nod to the meaning of Paerata in te reo, that is ‘horizon of the rata’.

“It was important to those involved in the development that the name was in keeping with, as well as inclusive of, the area’s heritage,” says Grafton Downs executive director Chris Johnston.

The foundations of Paerata Rise are well underway on location, 45 minutes south of Auckland. Those involved in the development promise it will be a community with a difference. “We will be working closely with approved build partners to create, as prescribed under the Paerata Rise design guide, a new unique place to live where homestead architecture is envisaged,” Mr Johnston says.

“We have chosen the build partners because of the outstanding quality of their workmanship. In the interests of creating equal opportunities for builders in the community, we selected to work with large franchisee companies and small family businesses, all of whom are local,” says Shaun Millar, Grafton Downs sales and marketing manager.

“The builders are ecstatic about the development – our vision is something that they are behind 100%. Homes will be carefully placed on their sites to maximise the natural landscape settings, creating comfortable living environments and quality streetscapes.”

Embracing the environment

Plans for the development site were designed by San Francisco-based Surfacedesign, a company co-founded by Kiwi urban designer and sustainable landscape architect James Lord. The award-winning company is responsible for the abstract landscaping at Auckland Airport.

“Surfacedesign is a great firm to work with. James Lord and his team grasped our vision to create a development that embraces the environment and creates a good relationship between sections, houses and green space,” says Mr Johnston.

With stage one earthworks complete, waste and water pipes being laid and the onsite civil work underway, the 12 build partners who will be working on the new town development of Paerata Rise will have access to roads mid-December.
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